ENewsletter

Principal's Report

Mr Burke is on leave until Tuesday 26th November and it is with pleasure that I write this fortnight’s Principal’s report.

AWARDS EVENING

Congratulations to Mr Wright and team for your organization of our 2019 Awards Evening. It was a great evening on Tuesday night, enjoyed by all! We are in the process of ordering new chairs as it was great to see a full house!! Congratulations to our award winners who were recognised for outstanding academic, cultural, sporting and citizenship achievements. A special “hats off” to our graduating Year 6 students.

Great efforts by our Performing Arts Department – well done to Mr Edwards (choir and Year 6 song), Mr Clyde (woodwind/ brass/percussion) and Ms Rotar (strings) and their musicians for their fine performances. We were greeted on Wednesday morning with many compliments about all aspects of the night.

Thank you to invited guests LVRC Councillor Michael Hagan, P&C President Mrs Julie Mason and LDHS Principal Mr Darren Cook. Thanks also to Mrs Scott for the Year 6 2019 slide show. Every minute was worth it!

Thanks to our P&C and volunteers who arranged our supper and cleaned up after the ceremony.

School Concerts

Don’t forget the school concert on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th December. Classes have been practising for this night and the concerts should be fabulous as in previous years. Tickets will be available online as of Monday 25th November.

Year 6 Graduation Cake

Add a title

Yr 4 Academic	Yanet Soloman
Year 4 Encouragement	Ryan Finden, Zoe Mildren, Chloe Brechney, Sophie Cunningham
Year 5 Academic	Jack Whiting
Year 5 Encouragement	Azariah Zillmann, Cooper Davey Cai, Willem Fedrick
Rippa Attitude	Lizzie Crocker, Adam Carlson, Devanshi Sharma, Methuli Ranawaka –Arachichi, Mikey Johnson
Jagera	Tamati Lasserre
Citizenship	Stewart Allison
EALD Yr 4,5 or 6	Erik Manliclic
Environmental	Bailey Stinten, Breanna Vine, Ciar Morrow, Chloe Brechney
German	Rachel Tibangwa
Vera Robinson Reading	Rachel Tibangwa
Sports	Bridie Sabburg
Cultural/Music	Emmanuel Raus
Subject Awards
Mathematics	Camay Nguyen
English	Camay Nguyen
Science	Stewart Allison
History	Stewart Allison
Music Academic	Luca Krog
Art	David Thompson
Geography	Chebonnie Bimmulog
German Language	Camay Nguyen
Technology	Stewart Allison
Yr 6 Encouragement	Jorden Knox, Ella Griffiths, Hayden Low, Alex Hallas
General Academic	Rachel Tibangwa, Camay Nguyen, Stewart Allison, Emmanuel Raus, Cooper Kane, Oceania Gallaway, Tenzin Desal, Hasena Noor, Luca Krog, Chebonnie Bimmulog,Halle Grimes, Preston Poole, Methuli Ranawaka – Arachichi, Jessica Black
Dux	Camay Nguyen

Awards Night 2019

2020 Enrolments

Will you be with us in 2020?

In order to work out approximate class numbers for 2020, we would appreciate your advice as to whether your children will be leaving the school at the end of this year (not Year 6 students!).

This information is simply to assist the school in working out numbers for 2020 classes. If you indicate that your children will probably be leaving and then they end up staying, this will not be a problem - just advise us accordingly as soon as you know one way or the other.

If you think your child/ren will probably not be at GSS in 2020, would you please phone the office on 5466 3333 or email admin@gattonss.eq.edu.au by Monday 18th November.

When we have 2020 enrolment forms for new students we can consider their class placement in our planning which is well and truly underway.

Much is taken into account when allocating students to classes and teachers to classes. Whilst we cannot consider requests for a certain teacher, if parents / carers have ideas regarding including or not including their child with certain peers, twin situations etc please put your thoughts in a note or email to us ASAP and it will be taken into consideration.

Attendance is important in the last weeks of term

As we reach the end of Term 4, parents and carers are reminded that children must attend school every school day unless they have a reasonable excuse for being away, such as illness.

Visiting family, being tired, or starting holidays early are not good reasons to be away from school.

Transition

Some students take moving from one class to the next in their stride but for other students and their families this can be quite a worrying time.

Our school is committed to supporting a shared responsibility for successful transitions for all children not only at key junctures (ie school to Prep, Prep to Year 6) but from one year to the next.

Parents, educators and specialists work together to ensure that all transitions occur in a supportive and positive environment.

Some students may require more focused and intensive planning and support to address needs and reduce barriers to ensure successful transitions occur. These may include

supporting the transition programs that already occur in the school for all students

using a person-centred approach and take into account the needs of the individual student and their family

being planned well in advance of the transition

using collaborative processes that build relationships over time

identifying the adjustments and supports required to ensure successful transition

Transition activities are already well under way for our students coming into Prep and for our Year 6’s. Most teachers have already started talking to their students about next year especially things that will stay the same, the exciting parts of the changes that will occur and who will be there to support them with the challenges.

Please speak to your child’s current teacher to let them know if your child is feeling particularly anxious so that we can make sure we support their needs.

Storms at home time

Storms at 3pm – should there be heavy, rain, hail, lightning or any conditions which in our opinion may endanger students, they will remain in their classroom until the weather improves or parents/careers collect them from the classroom.

Current Weather Conditions

We are experiencing a long period of hot weather and smoky haze. We have been monitoring this very closely and have responded as needed to change lunchtime activities, postponed an excursion, cancelled swimming one day and keeping a close eye on students and staff. This can be very frustrating for some students who really like to be outside but it is required to maintain health and safety. Once again it seems the right time to say thank you to our fantastic P and C that we have air conditioned classrooms and a fridge for our food.

We hope that you and yours are all safe and well but we know there are many families affected across the state by the bush fires.

Given these unprecedented fire events in NSW and Queensland at the moment, the department’s Employee Assistance provider, LifeWorks has provided the following message, which you may find useful as reference for your families. Staff have access to these in their classrooms.

As people throughout the states of NSW and Queensland are affected by a series of active fires, please remember that LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is here to support you and your family as you try to understand the impact of the situation and process this event.

Our hearts are with the victims of these fires. A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. People are affected in their hearts and minds which can undermine healthy communities and social relationships at home and at work.

Crisis Support Line now open. LifeWorks has opened up a Crisis Support Line for anyone in the community in need of emotional support in relation to these events. The Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at: 1800 604 640. By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone.

School Accounts

Due to end of year processes we require that any outstanding monies (swimming fees etc.) be paid to the school NO LATER THAN MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2019.

The finance system will then be locked in preparation for 2020 and we will be unable to receipt payments. Your cooperation with this would be greatly appreciated!

PREP 2020 – Enrol

Do you have a child who is born between, July 1 2014 and June 30 2015? You are invited to join us to find out more about prep in 2020 at Gatton State School.

Next week we will start the Transition days where prep students for 2020 can spend a morning as a prep student in readiness for next year. Dates for Transition mornings are:

Tuesday 26th November
Monday 2nd December

Please contact the office if you would like any further information or would like to make a time to meet with the Deputy Principal to talk about prep for your child next year. Enrolment forms and information packs are available now. We look forward to meeting you and your children to start their exciting school journey with us.

2019 Concert Night Tickets

This year’s concert nights will be held on Tuesday 10th December (Years 4-6) and Wednesday 11th December (Years P-3).

Tickets for this year’s concert nights will have allocated seat numbers and can be purchased online or from the school office from Monday 25th November. Funds raised from the sale of tickets will help support the school’s visual and performing arts programs.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults $4.00

Students (Primary or Secondary School) $3.00

Children (5 years and under occupying a seat) $2.00

Family (2 Adults and 2 Children/Students) $12.00

Students who are performing on the night will be seated with their class and will not require purchased tickets for the night of their performance.

Online Ticket Purchases

Tickets may be purchased online any time from Monday 25th November. The web address to access online bookings is https://www.trybooking.com/BGXTO

Please note: Online ticket purchases require a credit card and attract a 50c booking fee per ticket.

Tickets will also be available from the school office from Monday 25th November during regular office hours.

Behaviour Of The Fortnight

“I am cyber safe”.

Students are spending increasing amounts of time online and using technology more than ever before. It is important for students to know how to stay safe online. High quality resources are available to support teachers, parents and students to be cybersafe.

With this new world comes new challenges for us as parents and carers of young people (who sometimes know more about this new world than we do!). The internet is easy, convenient and fun. But all that easy convenience can be risky, and some of the risks can have serious, lasting outcomes.

Here are some tips to keep your child safe online:

Supervision – did you know most social media sites (like facebook, Instagram and snap chat) require users to be at least 13 years of age before they can have their own account?

Keep passwords safe and secure

3. Privacy –never give out information such as home address, school name or telephone number in a public message such as chat or newsgroups

4. Use privacy settings to limit access to people you know well and trust

5 'STOP, BLOCK, TELL' If a message or email comes through that's threatening or rude, teach your child to stop what they are doing, block the other user and tell a trusted adult

6. Never click on any unwanted links that are contained in emails from people they don't know.

More information on how you can protect yourself and your child online can be found at:

http://behaviour.education.qld.gov.au/cybersafety/Pages/parents.aspx

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Extra Swimming Lessons

5H, 5P, 2D & 2W only - This week marks the 5th week of swimming lessons. Your child’s class has completed his/her prepaid swimming lessons. We are able to have one additional lesson in normal swimming time in week 8. (Wednesday 27th November). This lesson is used for swimming skill evaluation.

3S, 4H, 4N, 4S, 6S, 6P, 6R, 5F only – As these classes did not have a lesson this week (due to a smoke haze), their 5th lesson will be next week, Tuesday, 26th November. We are then able to have one additional lesson in normal swimming time in week 9. (Tuesday, 3rd December).

3/4J, 3W only – As these classes did not have a lesson this week (due to a carnival), their 5th lesson will be next week, Wednesday, 27th November. We are then able to have one additional lesson in normal swimming time in week 9. (Wednesday, 4th December).

You will be required to pay a $5.00 fee for this additional lesson. Please ensure your child brings his or her togs on their swimming day. A note is required for those who do not attend swimming. This will be the last swimming lesson for these classes.

Break up Party Day

On the Break Up Party Day Thursday 12th December, the pool has been booked so that all children in years 1 -6 will have one hour of free swimming time. Note: Children who have not attended at least three swimming lessons will not be permitted to swim on this day.

Every child is to bring his/her swimming gear and $2.00 on Thursday 12th December. This will pay for pool hire. To guard against sunburn all children should wear 30+ sun screen.

Note: Mark 12th December as a swimming day on your calendar as the school will not be ringing parents of children who forget their togs.

Sustainability Train

5c/10c Piece Donations to purchase outdoor seating for students.

If your child is asking for 5c/10c it is to add to their class’ Sustainability Change Train. This money will be going towards the purchase of outdoor tables and chairs for the students to sit at lunch times. Each table and chairs is approx. $1000 to purchase. Our goal is to collect enough 5c/10c pieces to purchase one table and chairs before the end of the school year.

Making good choices and having a great time in Gatton

Prep K received a letter from Thelma Monkey. She was very worried about her son Theo. He was eating unhealthy snacks and not playing outside much. She thought he might be even getting addicted to YouTube!

Mr Archinal brought him over to Prep and we agreed to help Theo learn to make good choices.

Eating well so he can have the fuel he needs to grow strong and healthy.

Finding out about engines at Gatton Auto.

Blowing bubbles with Mrs Dixon.

Getting a check-up at the dentist with Phelicia.

Dancing with Karys.

Jumping with Deklan.

Watering the cricket pitch with Charlie and his Dad.

Learning to surf with Lulu.

Theo has been so busy playing outside and doing things around town that we are pleased to say he has hardly been on digital technology. Thank you everyone for showing him a great time. He is looking forward to staying with more families and learning great lessons. If you see him around, please say hi!

Oktoberfest

On the 17th of October, some of the Year 6 students went to Oktoberfest in Brisbane. We left on a lovely day at around 8:00am and we arrived in Brisbane at approximately 9:30am. We stopped near the entrance and had a quick morning tea while our vouchers and wristbands were collected.

Entering the main tent, we sat down at our tables received a warm welcome from Frau Hay (the organiser for the day). She announced the winner of the Education Perfect competition we had been working hard on during the previous week, with our very own Methuli winning the top student prize. We also won as the top school in the competition and received a two hundred dollar voucher for books, a bucket full of gummi bears and a huge Lebkuchenherz.

With that out of the way, it was time for the fun to begin. Frau Hay invited everyone to the dance floor to dance to Fliegerleid, Rock Mi, Chicken Dance, Macarena, Sweet Caroline and more. A band from Germany provided the music.

After the dancing, we went out to explore the festival. The festival was not as big as I thought, but it was more fun than I expected. There were many fun activities such as an inflatable obstacle course, real life Foosball, fast rotating tall rides and much, much more. One of my favourite things there was the food. There were ginormous pretzels, Wurst (sausages), Lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts), snow cones, liquorice, waffles and much more. Another thing they had were gifts and souvenirs, like hats, balloons, aprons, beer mugs, shirts, toys and Christmas decorations.

While some people were outside enjoying the rides, others were inside playing some games and doing some more dancing. The games included Lemonade drinking, pretzel eating and Gummibear relay races.

We were lucky enough for the Oktoberfest Company to provide each of us with a small heart-shaped ginger bread. All of the students had a wonderful time and we would like to thank Frau Lee, Frau Newell and the parents for making everything possible.

Written by Camay and Rachel 6P

Primary Prattle

Yes it is in print again…

The magazine that shows everyone what you have been doing all year. Articles include class pages, sports pages, lots of photos, games and much more. Approximately 140 colour pages of Gatton SS memories.

Order your copy by completing an order form available from the office and returning it with your payment by Friday 29th November.

Delivery will be on Break Up Party Day – 12th December.

Cost: $20.00 (This covers costs only – no profit is made from these sales)

Sensory Santa

Sensory Souls and Grand Central Shopping Centre are excited to introduce Sensory Santa. Sensory Santa is an inclusive event for families with special needs to have a photo with Santa in a Sensory Friendly environment. Have you always wanted to take your children to see Santa but have been worried about how they might react? Do your children have sensory challenges (Sensory Disorders like Autsim) and would be fine to see Santa if only they didn’t have to wait in line with the crowds, feel the pressure of time and the noise of lots of people walking around? Well Sensory Santa could be exactly what your child needs in order to visit with Santa this year.

Sensory Souls presents Sensory Santa which is a visit with Santa that has

• no crowds and minimum noise as the session is before the shopping centre opens or during the quieter times.

• no lines -appointment bookings only in 10 minute sessions

• no music

• no spotlights

• a chair next to Santa

• an understanding Santa and photographer

• wheel-chair access Autism Assistance Dogs welcomed Santa sack filled with strategies.

Booking is free, No obligation to purchase photos Mobile phones are not permitted to take images in the Santa set. To book head to www.sensorysouls.com.au/bookings

Gatton Police Service helping those in need

This is the third year Queensland Police Service have partnered with Foodbank, and Gatton’s second year participating. The Drive will be promoted by Police Media on the QPS Twitter and Facebook pages, and the Gatton Police Station will be advertised as a drop off point for non-perishable food.

Foodbank are a non-denominational, non-profit organisation which acts as a pantry that local charities approach for the food they provide to needy families.
They receive food donations from farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, and from food drives just like this one.
They are the largest hunger relief organisation in Australia, and in 2017 alone provided enough food for over 67 million meals.

This year’s food drive will focus on the devastating effects of long-term drought to our Farmers and Graziers.

All we ask is that everyone go through their pantry at home or go out and purchase any non-perishable essential items (and within expiry date) and deliver to the Gatton Police Station or school office, so that I can collate the donations and send to Foodbank Queensland. This year’s Drive runs from 7th November 2019 to 7th December 2019.

Christmas Raffle

This year we are asking families if they could donate an item towards our Christmas raffle. It does not have to be anything expensive, but if every family donated a small item we would then have some fantastic prizes to raffle. This will also take the pressure off businesses.

Prep - something for the pantry: eg canned items, biscuits, lollies, drinks, chips, sauces, nuts etc.

Year 1 - Something for the kitchen: eg tea towels, glasses, cutlery, serving platters, cooking utensils, plates, electrical items etc

Year 2 - Toys and board games: eg boys and girls toys, pencils, books, sporting gear, balls etc

Year 3 - Something for the living room or bedroom: eg cushions, candles, ornaments, lamps, photo frames, linen etc

Year 4 - Christmas decorations and food: eg Christmas ornaments, lights, decorations, trees, santas, cakes, chocolates etc

Year 5 – Home office/ Garden: eg stationary, notepads, calculators, garden ornaments, BBQ utensils, plants etc

Year 6 – Bathroom/toiletries: eg soaps, bubblebath, towels, mats, washers etc

These items can be left at the office or the tuckshop. If they could be in by Monday 9th December it would be greatly appreciated.

Christmas Stall

Gifts for Mum, Dad & Grandparents

Gifts from $2 - $20

Free gift-wrapping

Thursday 28th November from 8:15am

Hall Meeting Room Prep – 3 will visit with classes.

Year 4 – 6 can visit before school or in breaks.

P&C NEWS

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be the AGM and will be held on 18th February 2020 at 6pm in the Staff room. All are welcome to attend. All committee positions will be open for nomination.

Breakfast Club Term 4

Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from

8:15am to 8:45am.

Tuckshop News

New Tuckshop days and hours are Wednesday to Friday 8:15am to 1:30pm.

Tuckshop is no longer open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please ensure your children have lunch brought from home on these days

If you are able to lend a hand for a couple of hours in 2020 please contact Janet or the school office on 5466 3333.

Thursday Specials Tuckshop Menu

The Tuckshop is now offering Thursday Specials. Check the Gatton State School P&C Facebook page for these specials.

Uniforms

The Tuckshop is now taking layby's for 2020 uniforms. To help families with the expense of uniforms you now have the option to layby uniforms. Please contact the office or Tuckshop for a layby order form.

Christmas Raffle

Christmas raffle tickets will be coming home with students next week. Please ensure all tickets sold or unsold are returned to the office by Monday 9th December. Raffles will be drawn on Wednesday 11th December at Prep-3 Concert Night. All winners will be notified.

Gatton State School Newsletter

Term 4 2019 | No. 19 21st Nov 2019